Missouri All-State Show
2017
Iphigenia
In time of war, unspeakable and unthinkable things are done. The best-selling author's 2003
adaptation of one of Euripides' great tragedies dramatizes the sacrifice of Agamemnon's daughter to
the cause of his campaign to win back Helen of Troy. Edna O'Brien gives clarity and honesty to a
notoriously corrupt text. The production team, along with the students selected for the cast and
crew, will work to create the concept of a contemporary urban street setting for the production.
Table of Contents
Staffing ................................................................................................................page 2
Performance Opportunities .................................................................................page 3
Technical Opportunities.......................................................................................page 4
Audition and Interview Application (performance and technician) ........................page 5
Audition and Interview Process (performance and technician) ..............................page 6
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule ..................................................................page 7
Performer and Technician Contract .....................................................................page 8
Theatre Code of Ethics .........................................................................................page 9
Performer and Technician Permission Slip ......................................................... page 10
Women’s Monologues…………………………………………………………..…..Page 11 and 12
Men’s Monologues……………………………………………………………..…….Page 13 and 14
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Missouri All-State Show
Staff List
This Missouri All-State Show is co-sponsored by
Missouri Thespians and Visitation Academy.
DIRECTOR
Marty Strohmeyer (Visitation Academy)
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR ............. Christopher Phillips (Lindenwood University)
ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR…...Ellen
Isom
(Visitation
Academy,
Webster
University)
SET DESIGNER .............................. Daniel Lanier (Grand Center Arts Academy)
LIGHTING DESIGNER ..................................... John Wylie (Webster University)
SOUND DESIGNER ..................................................................................... TBA
COSTUME DESIGNER ...........................................................Marty Strohmeyer
MAKE-UP & HAIR ...................................................................................... TBA
HOUSE MANAGER .....................................................................Board Member
GRAPHICS ................................................................................ The Done Dept
PROPERTIES MASTER .............................................................................. TBA
PRODUCTION MANAGER........................................................................... TBA
HOUSING and DONATION COORDINATOR ..........................Marty Strohmeyer
CAMP and HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR ...........................Marty Strohmeyer
AUDITION COORDINATOR ........................................................Board Member
RESIDENT ASSISTANTS (X4) ....... Board Members, Troupe Leaders, Volunteers
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Missouri All-State Show
Performance Opportunities
10 females/8 males
Limit of 4 participants per school. Must currently be in 9th, 10th or 11th grade to audition.
Female Characters
Male Characters
Witch
Calchas the prophet
Nurse/Chorus
Menelaus
Sixth Girl
Old man
Iphigenia
Agamemnon
Clytemnestra
Messenger/Soldier
Girl 1/Chorus
Achilles
Girl 2/Chorus
Soldier
Girl 3/Chorus
Soldier
Sister 1/Chorus
Praying Girl/Chorus
Since we will be putting the story against a contemporary urban street
setting, a couple of characters and a couple members of the chorus may
include some opportunities to create and/or play music. This will happen
in the form of street buskers playing guitars, drums (real or plastic
buckets), keyboards, saxophones, etc. Playing an instrument IS NOT a
requirement for trying out and the instruments used and number of
musicians is totally flexible based on the abilities of those cast. You do
not need to bring your instrument to try outs.
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Missouri All-State Show
Technical Opportunities
12 positions
Limit of 4 participants per school. Must currently be in 9th, 10th or 11th grade to interview.
STUDENT DIRECTOR (1).......................................................... Report to the Directors
Role is to support the Directors, assist in leading rehearsals and communicating needs
to the actors and artistic staff.
STAGE MANAGER (1) .................... Report to both the Artistic and Technical Directors
Responsible for communication between the actors and Directors, running of the stage
during rehearsals and calling the show.
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (1) .......................... Report to Technical Director
Function as an intern to the Technical Director. Opportunity to learn the craft of set
and lighting design and execution under a mentor. Will also serve on
construction/running crew.
SET CONSTRUCTION/RUNNING CREW (3) .................... Report to Technical Director
Work as a team to fabricate the set according to the design. Responsible for the
placement and removal of sets and props during scene changes. May be asked to
assist other crews as needed.
LIGHT BOARD OPERATORS/ELECTRICIANS (1) ........... Report to Technical Director
Responsible for the servicing, hanging, color-filtering and focusing of lighting
instruments to meet the design specifications and running the board during
production. May be asked to assist other crews as needed.
SOUND BOARD OPERATORS/ENGINEERS (1) ................ Report to Technical Director
Assist the Sound Designer in fabricating the sound track for the production. Setting
up the public address system and running board during production. May be asked to
assist other crews as needed.
COSTUMES/WARDROBE/MAKE-UP/HAIR INTERN (2) .. Report to Costume Designer
Function as an intern to the staff Costume Designer. Opportunity to learn the craft
under a mentor by assisting in creation or collection of costumes and developing
appropriate make-up/hair designs for the actors. Manages costumes. May be asked to
assist other crews as needed.
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Missouri All-State Show
Audition and Interview Application
PERFORMERS
Limit of 4 participants per school. Must currently be in 9th, 10th or 11th grade to audition.
AUDITION APPLICATION:
1. Complete online registration.
2. Get a letter of recommendation from a director that has worked with you. (see
directions below)
3. Type and print out a resume.
4. Obtain an 8x10 headshot.
5. Print and sign permission slip.
6. Mail all items (letter of recommendation, resume, headshot and permission slip)
to Jennifer Forrest-James by December 1, 2015.
TECHNICIANS
Limit of 4 participants per school. Must currently be in 9 th,10th or 11th grade to interview.
INTERVIEW APPLICATION:
1. Complete online registration.
2. Get a letter of recommendation from a director or technical director that has
worked with you. (see directions below)
3. Type and print out a resume.
4. Print and sign permission slip.
5. Mail all items (letter of recommendation, resume and permission slip) to
Jennifer Forrest-James by December 1, 2015.
6. Prepare a portfolio of previous work in your area of interest.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of recommendation should be written by an adult that has good knowledge of
you and your ability as a performer/technician. Those asked to write a
recommendation should be told what you are hoping to accomplish by
auditioning/interviewing and what your time commitment will be. Letters of
recommendation should touch on the following:
1. Relationship
2. Their knowledge of your work and your work ethic
3. Your ability to work with others
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Missouri All-State Show
Audition and Interview Process
All performers and technicians selected for the All-State Show will be announced
January 9th at the general session. Limit of 4 participants per school. Must
currently be in 9th, 10th or 11th grade to audition/interview.
PERFORMER GENERAL AUDITIONS
January 7th, 2016
(Arrive 10 min. prior to your audition time)
Process:

All applicants will be contacted by December 20th with an audition time.

Performers must present 2 memorized monologues. One monologue must be
selected from the attached options from the show. The actor may choose their
second monologue. The second monologue should be no longer than 1 minute.

Those being called back will be informed at their general audition which role
they are being considered for and given a call back time and a side. If you are
not called back you are not being considered for a part.

Dress professionally.
PERFORMER CALLBACKS
January 8th, 2018
(Arrive 10 minutes before call time. Dress in clothing and shoes you can move in.)
TECHNICIAN INTERVIEWS
January 7th and 8th, 2016
(Arrive 10 minutes prior to interview time)
Process:

All applicants will be contacted by December 20th with an interview time.

Technicians will be given 10 min. to show their portfolio and answer questions.

Working knowledge of the show is important.

Dress professionally.
If you have any questions or concerns, email Marty Strohmeyer at
[email protected]
Please check the website and with your sponsor first, prior to emailing.
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Missouri All-State Show
Schedule
All rehearsals will be held at Fontbonne University.
Fine Arts Building
6800 Wydown Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63105
WEEKEND REHEARSAL Dates:
All participants MUST be in attendance.

REHEARSAL WEEKEND #1 - April 9, 2016 from 10am-1pm
o
Alternate location that is more central

REHEARSAL WEEKEND #2 – October 8th, 2016 from 10am-5pm

REHEARSAL WEEKEND #3 – December 17, 2016 from 10am-5pm

PICKUP REHEARSAL - January 11, 2017 TBA
SUMMER CAMP:
All participants MUST be in attendance.
July 17-22, 2016

Check in on Sunday evening by 5pm.

Check out on Friday afternoon by 5pm.
*There will be master classes built into the camp schedule.
PERFORMANCE Dates:
All participants MUST be in attendance.

January 12, 2017 State Thespian Conference in St. Louis, MO

June 2017 International Thespian Conference in Lincoln, NE (possibly)
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Missouri All State Show
Performer and Technician Contract
Being in a show requires time commitment, a good attitude, and maturity. Please
review the contract, “Theatre Code of Ethics,” financial responsibilities and rehearsal
calendar. It is important that you and your child understand the responsibility and
commitments involved in being a part of the show before auditioning or interviewing.

Participants must make ALL their scheduled rehearsals and shows (see rehearsal
calendar). If a participant misses a scheduled rehearsal without permission they will be
asked to leave the show.

Participants will be expected to attend the 2017 MO Thespian Conference to perform
the show. All registration costs for the conference are the responsibility of the
participants.

Participants will be required to pay $250 each to cover all their July 2013 camp costs.
This covers housing, food, show shirt and all recreational activities. Payment will be due
at the first rehearsal, April 20th.

Participants must provide their own transportation to the Saturday rehearsals and the
July camp.

Housing is provided for the July 2016 camp and can be arranged for weekend
rehearsals at no extra cost.

All meals for the Saturday rehearsals will be provided.

Expect minor clothing costs (i.e. shoes and basic undergarments).

If we are selected to perform at International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, NE there will
be additional costs and rehearsal time necessary. Keep the end of June 2017 open for
this honor. The Missouri Thespians will pay for transportation to and from the festival
but participants are responsible for the registration fees (roughly $675). Please do not
audition/interview if you cannot guarantee your time and financial commitment.

We ask that parents avoid restricting their child’s involvement from the play as a form
of punishment after the child has already been cast. The play is contingent on all
participants. If there are problems that could bar a participant from continuing in the
show, we need to know as soon as possible to arrange a replacement.

Participants that do not follow direction, cause conflict or break the code of ethics
during the rehearsal process will be asked to leave the show.
We are looking forward to working with you and your child.
This will be a great show with everyone’s help.
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Theatre Code of Ethics
“Successful performances are possible only if everyone – actor, director, stage crew, and audience – shows
proper respect for everyone involved. Achieving the best results is possible only in an environment of personal
responsibility and mutual respect.” – Unknown
Part of the great tradition of the theatre is a code of ethics, which belongs to every worker on or
behind the stage. It is an attitude toward craftsmanship, a respect for associates, and a
dedication toward the audience. This code outlines a self-discipline, which, far from robbing
one of individuality, increaser personal esteem and dignity through cooperation and common
purpose. The result is perfection, which encompasses all that is meant by “Good Theatre.”

The SHOW MUST GO ON! I WILL NEVER MISS A PERFORMANCE.

I will be patient and understanding during the rehearsal process.

I will always be on time, which means fifteen minutes early, for EVERYTHING!

I will always bring my script, a pencil and paper to take notes at every rehearsal.

I will wear the appropriate rehearsal clothing which includes loose fitting clothing and
dance shoes or tennis shoes. No sandals, clogs, or flip flops

I will call the stage manager or director if an emergency arises.

I will not alter my appearance without the consent of the director. This includes color
of hair, haircuts tattoos, etc.

I shall never miss an entrance by my failure to be ready.

I will not alter lines, stage business, properties, costumes or any phase of the
production unless told to do so by the director.

I will use the stage properties and costumes with care, knowing they are tools of my
craft and a vital part of the production.

Golden rule of theatre: IF IT IS NOT YOURS DON’T TOUCH IT!

I will never upstage other performers.

I will never engage in giving advice or criticism to another actor or crewmember.

I will respect and encourage the contributions of each member of the cast and crew.

I will be polite and do as the stage manager instructs.

I shall accept the director’s advice in the spirit in which it is given and make an honest
effort to make requested adjustments remembering that she sees the production as a
whole.

I will always show my appreciation to the director, the crews, and any other staff
members associated with the production.

I will observe backstage courtesy and shall conduct myself in strict compliance with the
rules of the theatre in which I work. Which includes, but not limited to no eating,
drinking or smoking in the theatre.

I shall play every performance to the best of my ability.

I will subordinate myself to the performance by accepting my role, costume, hairstyle,
and makeup that go with it.

I understand that the use of alcohol and drugs during any part of the production
process is strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate dismissal from the company.
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Missouri All State Show
Performer and Technician Permission Slip
By signing this form you are giving permission for your child/student to be a part of
the show. It also states that you and your child/student understand the responsibility
and commitments involved in being in the show and agree to the contract, “Theatre
Code of Ethics,” financial responsibilities and rehearsal calendar. If you have any
questions regarding your child’s involvement please do not hesitate to email:
[email protected]
Date: ____________________
Performer/Technician Member’s Name:
(signature) _________________________________________________________________________
(printed name) _____________________________________________________________________
Guardian’s Name:
(signature) _________________________________________________________________________
(printed name) _____________________________________________________________________
School Principal’s Name:
(signature)__________________________________________________________________________
(printed name)______________________________________________________________________
This permission slip is due with the rest of your application.
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Missouri All State Show
Female Monologues
You must choose one of these monologues.
For your second monologue, you may do a second one of these
or a monologue of your choice.
Upon hearing that Iphigenia will marry Achilles, her nurse excitedly tells her the
story of how he came to be.
Nurse: He has a coat of arms made of gold, given him by his mother. The story is
known throughout all of Apollo’s cities, how the nereid who was his mother took him
down as a baby to the River Styx and submerged him in the water to protect him from
all injury and so he was except for the little heel which she had held him by… then
fearing he might be killed in the wars she had him dressed as a girl and hid him in the
palace of a king who was her friend, where he lived among the king’s daughters, but,
one day a peddler came in to the palace forecourt with a tray of trinkets, ribbons, and
scarves plus a spear and a shield and while all the girls loved the fallals, Achilles
picked up the spear and the peddler, who was really the scheming Odysseus dressed
in rags, saw the young boy’s excitement and had a servant shout out an alarm to say
the palace was under attack, whereupon Achilles tore off his woman’s clothing and
rushed to defend the gates and so Odysseus knew he had come to the right place and
Achilles was recruited into the Greek army, given noble rank and a vast host to
command.
Minutes before she is sacrificed, Iphigenia pleads with her father to spare her
life.
Iphigenia: If I had Orpheus’ eloquence… the voice to charm rocks… if I could bewitch
with words, I would bewitch now… but I only have tears and prayers… and these I
offer… like a suppliant…. O Father, I press against you now… this body of mine…
which my mother bore… do not destroy me before my time… I love the light… do not
dispatch me down to the netherworld… hell is dark and creepy and I have no friends
there… I am your child… I basked in your love… the little games we played… you
would close the folding door and I would squeak squeak and you would come back in
with sugar plums and put them under my pillow… you were never cross with me…
never haughty…. Never the King… I could coax you out of your moods and when you
grew a beard, I studied it… I counted the hairs, I pulled on it and clung to you as I
cling to you now, my first and last and only hope. In your old age I will welcome you
into my own house with my own husband- whoever he be- I will have children to
lighten your weary heart… look at me… give me a kiss… at least let me have that as a
memory of you… if I am … if I am to die.
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The witch opens the play with an explanation of the key conflict.
Witch: Great Zeus stopped the winds and why. He sends winds to other men’s
expeditions, winds of sorrow, winds of hardship, winds to set sail, winds to drop sail,
and winds of waiting but here upon the black and blasted straits of Aulis he sends no
winds and an angry fleet keep asking why are we waiting, why is King Agamemnon,
marshal of the fleet, made a vow to the goddess, Artemis of the sacred grove, a
promise that he reneged on. Disastrous calm has driven him to augury, to Calchas
the prophet who scans the flight of birds.
The sixth girl is Agamemnon’s concubine. In this monologue she is explaining to
Agamemnon that she understands the reason the men have gathered to attack
Troy and retrieve Helen.
Sixth Girl: Of course I have heard of Helen. The legend of how young men went as
suitors to Sparta…. all desiring her… each one threatened to murder the other if he
was successful, so when Menelaus of the House of Atreus won her, he made a pact
with all the others that if she should even be taken, they would all band together and
fight. But Paris with Aphrodite’s help put the dart of love into her on Ida’s mountain
among the white heifers and brought her thence to Troy. It is why we are at war and
why the thousand ships out here are manned for passage. They say that even old
Hector, the father of Paris, worships her… walks with her in the palace walls, bowing
and discoursing like a young gallant.
When Agamemnon does not tell Clytemnestra the truth about the sacrifice she
confronts his lies. (this does not appear as a monologue in the actual script,
these lines are pieced together from a dialogue with Agamemnon)
Clytemnestra: And you… you seem solemn… would it not help to unburden
yourself… to let me know of this gravity….. I know you have a notion to kill your own
daughter….. it is written across your face. The moment we arrived I saw that some
dreadful constraint was upon you…. The way you twisted and turned and could not
look in my eye or in hers. Who will draw the sword across your child’s neck?....... who
will slit it?..... who will hold the cup for the… torrent of blood?... I will not let this
happen. You killed the child I bore from Tantulus, you tore it from my breast and
dashed it to the ground, murderer. I bore you children… Iphigenia, her sisters, and
little Orestes, who is in there now with her, two children believing themselves to be
safe in their parents’ quarters, under their parents’ tutelage….. do you think when you
come home to Argos your other children will embrace you, your wife will welcome you
back- God forbid it
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Missouri All State Show
Male Monologues
You must choose one of these monologues.
For your second monologue, you may do a second one of these
or a monologue of your choice.
Meelaus, brother to Agamemnon and husband of Helen confronts his brother
about his hesitation to sacrifice his daughter.
Menelaus: Phfff. You hide behind walls…. You are seldom seen… when trouble
started you showed yourself a man of straw… your ships were grounded and what
solution did you arrive at- disband the army… send them home and only then did you
come to me pleading, “what am I to do? What am I to do?,” and when I suggested
Calchas the prophet you rejoiced and when he told you the ships would sail if your
daughter would be sacrificed you agreed after a few fatherly tears and sent a letter and
slept on it and sent another- traitor, coward. The Trojan barbarians will not be
assailed for the very simple expedience of you and your daughter’s happiness. You are
not a king,
Upon seeing Agamemnon’s agony, Menelaus consoles him and agrees to not
follow through with the sacrifice.
Menelaus: By my father and yours, by Atreus who begot us, by the gods and
goddesses, I see tears that drop from your eyes and I am not your enemy. I withdraw
the harsh words I spoke. It is not right that you should suffer this agony- I do not
want your child to die. Am I to win Helen back by losing my brother’s loyalty-no. Or
sacrifice my brother’s child- no. What has Iphigenia to do with all this- nothing. Let
us disband the army, let them leave these bitter straits of Aulis, scatter their ships,
and go home. I say this out of love for a brother and a deeper honor than winning
back a faithless wife. I will search for her myself and drag her back to our homeland
by her cursed hair.
Calchas, the prophet, who sees what birds in flight see, explains to Agamemnon
that he must sacrifice his daughter.
Calchas: King Agamemnon- to Artemis, goddess of the moon, you vowed that you
would sacrifice the most beautiful you knew. You shall not unmoor your ships until
you pay your dues. Your wife Clytemnestra has a child Iphigenia who in all the
radiance of young beauty has been selected by the goddess Artemis to be offered in
sacrifice in order that the Greek ships can leave these narrow straits for the towers
and battlements of Troy. Then and only then will amorous Helen be restored to her
husband Menelaus, Troy in ashes, her nobled slaughtered, her women slave women,
to bring home here to Argos and plentitude of spoils.
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The messenger announces the arrival of the Queen and Iphigenia and explains
that the men are riled up.
Messenger: My lord, Clytemnestra the Queen has just arrived. She was supported
from her chariot holding the baby Orestes lest she stumble. Soft maidenly arms
reached up to receive your daughter Iphigenia so that she would not be frightened by
so many strangers. They are not bathing, the fillies let loose to drink and the army are
asking, asking, because a rumor has spread that the young girl has come. They gape
to catch sight of the golden young girl and ask why has Agamemnon sent for her, is it
that he misses her on or it that some marriage has been arranged for her by Artemis,
goddess of Aulis. They shout, let there be wedding to relieve the wretched waiting
hours, let the pipes sound in the tents, let the earth thud with dancing feet, they are
happy at the maiden’s arrival… some see in it a deliverance.
Agamemnon explains the necessity of the sacrifice to Iphigenia while assuring
her he loves her.
Agamemnon: (to Iphigenia) That rage of my army is not against you, child, but a mad
rage to sail to the barbarian land, to quash them and put an end to their rape of our
women… Greek women… Greek wives… Greek daughters defiled. Greek men will not
permit that most loathsome of crimes. It is not for Helen, not for Menlaus I sacrifice
you, it is for Greece. She must be free. If it is in our power, yours and mine, to make
her so, we must. (to the others) There will be much adornment. She will be bathed
in yellow oils, the tawny mountain honey will anoint her body… she shall rest upon
the cenotaph; laurels, roses, and hyacinths all around her. In death I shall hold her
dearer than in life.
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